Everything you'd expect from a dive bar. They have a performance venue in the back with little or no seating, but there is a lot of seating up front. Very, very dark as well. I kept tripping over a step they had to get to booths that were elevated. Full bar, good prices, a great place to see a band. The ladies restroom has 2 stalls, and they're crammed in there so tight that they had to put saloon swinging doors on the stalls. Very awkward to use. Parking is awful. Street only, and good luck if you find something near. read more

Small's Bar - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

if i could rate this place a 0, i would. the staff treated us so horribly and did not know any details of the event taking place. there was a sweet girl that had a disability and used a cane and they slammed the door in her face several times. they made us stand outside in 16° weather and refused to let us sit in the lobby, which was too dark and you could hardly see anything. please do not book events here if you actually care about your fans and community. read more

I love seeing shows at Smalls even though my cell camera does not cooperate well with the red LED lighting. Perhaps, the best part of seeing a prototypical Hamtramck punk show is the kind bar service. Jimmy is a cool cat and is always great behind the bar. read more

Small's is another Dive Bar in the area. We have been here a few times before for live music and a food pop-up. Today, we were celebrating a Dive Bar Tour on Fat Tuesday. What brought us to Small's....the Paczki BOMB SHOTS!!!! That's right, you heard me....PACZKI BOMBS!!!! Have you every heard of anything more sinfully dangerous? They offered a variety of flavors and many shot options. I would highly suggest you seek this spot out next year. If not for the Paczki, at least for the novelty of this crazy, fun day of gluttony. There was a live band playing in the back room and we had a blast. Our tour of gluttony continues.......on to the next one! read more

Small's Bar - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

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Extremely rude staff. Eyes rolled multiple times. Bartender extremely ableist and overall terrible customer service. Very aggressive and hostile attitudes. read more

I had a great time with staff, patrons, and the musicians here. It's laid back and a nice stage. A lot of nice posters to view and I was never bored. read more

Small's Bar - a man standing in front of a stage - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

Why a princess like me likes a divebar like Small's: 1. The owners make this line of rootbeer flavored vodka that is quite possibly the most delicious vodka-like thing I've EVER tasted. And the most I've ever drank without a screaming hangover. Root beer vodka + seltzer = set. They are NOT stingy on the pours either! 2. They separate the stage section and the bar section. Love that. You can have a conversation or rock out with your c**k out. 3. It's got the right hipster to normal people ratio. 4. The guy who takes your cover charge is pretty damn funny. He asked me if I knew what was under V's turban. I told him a pot of gold. 5. Ladies rooms are well... dive bar worthy. 6. Got to see Liz mothereffing Hill and the Modifiers perform on her birthday and it was AMAZEBALLS. Love the crowd, love the people, love the vibe, love the rootbeer vodka (which you can buy right across the street if a day later or so you find yourself having a craving). PS - Rumor has it they make a SWEDISH FISH version of vodka too! They don't sell it across the street but I'm not even sure if they have it at this bar... but SWEDISH FISH VODKA! OMFG! (For the record -- I had at least 4 maybe 6 of these rootbeer seltzer drinks? Yeah... totally not hungover the next day! WIN!) read more

Small's Bar - day time outside - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

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Cool old rock bar from old Detroit I fucking love this place. Also my names on the wall in the women's bathroom so extra points there

Small's isn't small! Small's has a retro feel to it, something that I can't explain. It's not the decor (though the ceiling fans are fabulous), or the patrons... just something about the place takes me back. There's three separate rooms to Small's: the main bar room, the mezzanine (where merch usually sells their wares, and a second bar is set up), and the stage room. Some nights there's no music, some nights there's a big show going on. I've seen more than a few shows here. I can say that it's my favorite bar in Hamtramck; the sound system is fantastic, the prices for the shows are fair (around $10), and the bar is stocked full of anything and everything I want. The thing I like the most is that Small's doesn't cater to a single crowd (read as "scene"); I've seen rock shows, ska shows, industrial/goth shows here, and each respective subculture packs the place everytime. It's such a great feeling going to a show that's full (I've done the Alvin's a couple times, and it was quite the contrary) . And now they have WIFI! Why... I'm not sure. But hey, who can argue with free internet? If you have a chance, or you're in Hamtramck looking for a place to have a couple drinks... definitely check out Small's. It's always an awesome time. read more

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I love this bar and have been coming to Hamtramck to enjoy the wonder that is Small's for quite awhile. Before I was able to enjoy a beer at the bar, I was coming in to check out some of my favorite local bands. Small's is more than just a music venue, more than just a bar, it's a sort of indie/punk Cheers with the raddest jukebox selection. With everything from Marvin Gaye to the Descendents this is the perfect place to wind down, have a beer, listen to some tunes and engage in some bar banter. The bartenders know their people and they know their drinks. And they book some of the best local bands around. So, whether you stop in for a few cocktail with friends or are enjoying some local music, Small's will indeed leave you satisfied (with some cash left in your pocket, prices are sensible). read more

Small's Bar - Photo Taken From www.smallsbardetroit.com - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

We have a blast every time we come here! Great people. Very accepting crowd. They hook it up on the alcohol. Love the atmosphere. Free parking is a bonus. My only suggestion would be to maybe have a way to announce that the bands have started. We always miss part of the first set because we're chatting in the other room and don't realize the shows started. read more

When you enjoy something or somewhere as much as I enjoy Smalls, it's hard to find the right words to describe it. My first time there was about 10 years ago to see my boyfriend-at-the-time play a show with his band. I was in love immediately. Seriously, this place has the perfect amount of space. Not too big, not too small. I also love the fact that there are three separate areas to hang out in, so if the band doesn't turn out to be your cup of tea, you can always mosey (stagger?) back to the bar area for another drink and you're able to hold a conversation (slur like a sailor?) because it's not too loud. This area also has a killer jukebox which I've spent many a dollar on because I decided I just HAD to hear that damn Johnny Cash/Social Distortion/whatever song for the bazillionth time. (No Ma, I ain't been drankin'!) The bathrooms? Kinda divey, but nothing so scary that you want to soak your hands in bleach after using them. My favorite is the graffiti in the ladies room. Always seems to be two psychobilly/rockabilly girls arguing over what band or group is a poser. Hysterical! Variety is the spice of life here, when it comes to live shows. I've seen straight-up dirty rock and roll bands, grimy gutter punk bands, greasey rockabilly bands who love singing "Whoa-oh-oh!" more than they love their leathers and pomade, stompy black-clad industrial bands wearing enough eyeliner to make Nikki Sixx blush, alt-country bands singing about how too much whiskey made their wives leave them, dancey european electronic and ebm bands with great visuals projected on screens, etc. The sound guy, Anthony, has got mixing bands down to an artform. My ears are never angry at me the next morning. The beer and liquor selection in pretty damn fine and beyond reasonably-priced. Do yourself a favor and try a drink with one of the Hard Luck Vodkas. The Red Fish shots are delicious (which can be dangerous), and The Root Beer Barrel vodka goes nicely topped with soda and a splash of coke. One of the owners, Mike, also makes an amazing margarita. This place is no stranger to a good cause, either. Mike and Natalie always seem to be getting involved with a ton of great benefit shows, which I think is pretty cool. (If you ever get a chance to sit down and have a drink and chat with them, I urge you to do so as these are two of the most genuine, funny and entertaining people I've ever met. ) In closing? Don't go changing, Smalls. I love you just the way you are. read more

I enjoyed my self at small's tonight. they have fresh PBR's and a great sound system. Saw a band called "Hobo Gangbang" that claimed it was their first appearance in the D. They were hardcore punk and they freakin ROCKED. The sound was NOT oppressively loud which is generally my main complaint with bars that have live stages. There is a piece of art in the room with the stage that is so incredible (IMHO) that it is worth going to Small's JUST to see that. Great club bring your grandma she likes live punk doesn't she? read more

Small's Bar - I want this on MY wall or a t-shirt or a tattoo or anything!! - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

Small's is a homey place to see a show. I've been to a couple here lately and had a good time. Not sure why people rave about the sound system. Sound here usually seems pretty mediocre to me. I do like the 3 room set-up, and the size of the place, though. The jukebox has a very nice mix indeed, and there's 3 televisions, one of which will show you not a game, but the band that's playing two rooms away. That's pretty cool. Red Bull is 4 bucks, and the bathrooms are covered with graff, just like bar bathrooms should be. They even got a bunch of stickers on the red-painted walls of the "merch-room" just to the side of the stage and audience for the band. Small's is alright. read more

Thank you to Small's for still having Industrial nights! This place is great! Love the vibe of the decor and the people who work and frequent here excellent ladies behind the bar and reasonable drink prices. Always have a lot of fun here! read more

It's a shame that I only go to Small's once a year, even though I don't live all that far from it. It strikes the perfect bar/concert venue balance, IMHO. Service at the bar is always really fast, and prices are cheap for a good selection of beer. Then you walk to the other half of the building, to the concert stage area. It's standing room only. I like that it can hold a large crowd, but just the right amount of people for there to be a fun concert/party atmosphere, but still be able to get up close to the stage, and still have a little bit of elbow room. Awesome job, Smalls! read more

What can I say... I met Sonya and Rolando there last night... They are amazing people... Back to the bar.. It was an awesome experience.. I felt like I was back in high school because all that music played last night was all me and still is....Strange love the Depeche Mode Experience was on point to the music.. Lyrics.. Moves.. Sound.. Stage performance and everything... Small's is a uniquely small little corner dive bar. But I bet with tons of awesome stories to go with it... My 23 yo son went with me.. He's into the same music and loved the Depeche Mode guys... Forever a night to remember... I'll definitely be back with my new friends.. Old friends and my son!!!, ty for a great night!! read more

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What's with the plastic cups? Good beer is gooder in glass. Yes, you can quote me. And I think it's the environmentally correct thing to do. Good sound system. Loved the Bowie night. read more

Small's is quickly becoming my new favorite place to see bands play. I was at the recent Alkaline Trio (secret) show there, and it was by far the best time I have had at a show in years. I like that Small's does not over charge for non-domestic beers. I like the whole Hard Luck Candy Vodka thing and I like the juke box. I know for a fact that this place is owned by some really great people. Really, where this place truly shines is as a live music venue. It is just the right size, the sound is pretty decent and when packed, shows at Small's give me that 'old school' concert feel. You know, the feeling of being 17 again and blowing off all of your adolescent rage? They have been booking some fairly large national acts lately and I hope the trend continues! I have also had the chance to play a few shows at Small's in the past and while it is a great place to see a show, the sound on stage is really weird. The sound guy could have given two shits about our band (and, eh, who could blame him). But in his attempt to rush us off of stage he asked my fellow band mate to "hurry up and get the fuck off the stage" - this is why Small's gets 4 stars and not 5. Great place, and owned by great folks. Go check it out! read more

Not that much money to get in and it feels like you are a member of the band because the band room isn't that large. Good place to hang out if there isn't a band that night as well. When this place first started the sound system was way too loud but now it seems to be just right. Get up and go to this place. read more

Smalls has a great sound-system. Loud rock music, in an intimate venue. Good selection of alcoholic beverages. My favorite band comes here when they pass through town. Major kudos to this establishment for making the purchase of tickets to events they host as easy and painless as humanly possible. No Live Nation, no Ticketmaster. I hope they never change the way they do business. read more

Small's Bar - Front door. Taken 9/24/12, Melvins Lite show. Sold out. - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

Love this place for shows. Intimate enough to always have a good view of the stage, big enough to attract good acts. Witty, engaging bartenders, we got there early enough to score a seat and stayed so long we missed the opening act. We started talking Tito's and dogs and scored some Tito's swag. The dark walls and red lighting in the bar are give the impression that it is nicer than it actually is, a sinful aura of devil meets glam. It is classic rock n roll, stickers and graffiti in the bathrooms, a no-nonsense open room with a slightly raised stage in the back. Parking is a pain and the liquor store across the street is a trip. It's probably the shows I see there, but I don't feel like the old lady in the room desperate to hang on to years gone by. The bartenders aren't 20 something poptarts being used to attract crowds either, but rock chicks that know how to make a drink and handle a crowd. Classic. I didn't know they served food. Next time, we will get there early and grab a bite to eat. read more

It might have something to do with the fact that owners, Melody Baetens and Dave Malosh, also happen to be musicians, but Smalls is one of the best places in metro Detroit to experience live music. The set up is two-fold. Stroll in to the front room and belly up the art deco bar for drinks and conversation with friends - you'll find both new and old ones here. Then make your way to the back room where you could encounter an impromptu dance party, discover a brand new band or catch one of the best live shows around. You never know what you're in for at Small's. That's part of its charm. The drinks are strong, the jukebox is stocked full of songs I want to hear (and always makes it around somehow to Johnny Cash "Ring of Fire" before the night is through) and the bar offers everything from local art to memorable fundraisers, giving right back to its home, Hamtramck. read more

Any place where I can see The Muggs on stage is awesome in my book! Great bar with great atmosphere! I do have to deduct a star for the bartender's response to a slight drink situation however. I orderd Stoli and Seven and he heard Stoli and Soda, honest miscommunication. Now rather than earn big points by chalking it up in the loss column, dumping it and making what I had originally ordered he opted for another solution - pour the Stoli and Soda into an oversized cup and top it off with Seven. I do understand and this really does strike me as a resonable solution but reasonable rarely earns 5 Stars. read more

Small's Bar - The Muggs! - Music Venues Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

This is definitely a dive bar and kind of small, but I love it. The staff is excellent, sound is great, drinks are strong. I especially love their Industrial is Not Dead and Thirst Wave nights. Great goth crowd, and they have HEAT and AIR CONDITIONING. read more

Parking is a lil bit of a challenge, and it's super divey & small with questionable bathrooms, BUT I've seen some great acts here, the HVAC system is great so there's less overheating during shows, and during one show in particular when I was being mercilessly stalked/harassed/followed by this creepy old man, the bouncers immediately threw him out and even walked me to my car when I expressed to them that I was alone and afraid he was waiting outside to hurt me afterward (which he was, fancy that). Any bar or venue that takes so seriously the safety of its female patrons is A+ to me. read more

Small's is a great place to watch shows -- chances are you'll snag a huge local indie rock crush on one of the talents and groupie them everywhere. I've come here primarily to watch shows. read more

Such! A! Cool! Place! I love their 80's nights and Industrial nights! They have an "underground" London feel to me..

Been coming here for years. Such a chill hang in the front bar and the sliders are really great! I recommend the thanksgiving turkey one!

This was my first time there. We went to see three bands. There is on-street parking, the area is clean, and more vibrant than 10 years ago. Ok, on to the bar. The bartenders are polite, and pretty helpful if you aren't sure what you'd like. The stage is in a separate area of the bar, and is set up well for music. The sound system is quite good, and the sound tech had everything set well. There was security walking through the crowd. I am looking forward to the next time we go read more

Pretty cool place with a very laid back vibe. I went New Year's Eve and a few days before. Really cool people and no drama. Everything was fairly priced and the staff was really good. read more

went to smalls this saturday to see the muggs and the hentchmen. i have to say the last time i went to smalls was probably 8yrs ago and i was so drunk i fell asleep on the bar. they let me sleep until my friend was ready to go, so kudos to them. the cover was cheap and the drinks were cheap. i bought a couple drinks for the bf and me and let some friends put a drink or two on my tab and it was 10bucks when we left. awesome for a place that has live music. the crowd was also so much more interesting than at say, the majestic. no hipster quotient here and everyone was different. so refreshing to go to a bar in detroit that has shows and there isn't a bunch of american apparel idiots. it is smoky, but i like bars that way. the stage is so small and you have no trouble hearing the band in any room. love, juston read more

I cruised in here for Paczki Day and had a raucous good time. From the Pink Floyd cover polka band (yes, you read that correctly) to their cheap PBR, it was all awesome. Everyone there was fired up and ready to party. Great dive! read more

The most dive dive bar ever. Front room is open with tables and a few booths. Cheap drinks - variety of 24 ounce beers for $6. There are usually bands playing in the back. Always a fun easy going crowd. Bartenders are super nice. Be careful because there's usually a cover. read more

The best rock bar in the Detroit area. I've seen so many killer shows here, the house sound guys are top notch. I've never been to the industrial night, so I can't speak to anything other than rock and metal shows. Maybe the occasional big sports game where shouting at the TVs is encouraged. They have great deals on beer, the drinks are stiff and the staff kicks ass. Although, don't order anything stupid, it's a rock bar. Also, don't act the fool or the kick ass staff will kick your ass. read more

Small's is known for being a music venue, not a regular watering hole. The line up is always good and they have a good jukebox. They have affordable drinks. Cover is always reasonable. If you like the bands, you will probably have a good time. Owners are well known in the music scene and I hear they treat bands well. I also know they are very easy to contact and act very professionally when you inquire to book your band. Sometimes they have special events that aren't related to music. I once went to a Hamtramck themed trivia night during a local food festival. It was packed. All the seats were filled. If you want to know about any of their events, it is easy to find them on social media. Management updates everything consistently. read more

Smalls a great place to see a show and escape from the same old same old of whatever neighborhood. Its also a great hangout every other night of the week. The drinks are always strong and never too expensive. My favorite night of the week there is Trivia night but if you just want to have a good drink at a cool bar, any night of the week will do! read more

Awesome place for local gigs and drinking with friends. Great sound system and a very laid back atmosphere.

Very friendly place! I saw The Melvins here and when the actual gig got tiresome, I could still watch on closed circuit at the bar in front. Best of luck to the very kind owner! read more

Great venue for concerts. They've also host Ray and Laura's Comedy Showcase every month, which is awesome. You should go. (http://www.rayandlauracomedy.com/) read more